The book includes two different sizes, one using 3 skeins and the other using 5 skeins.

Photo by Anders RydellAsparagus shawl, 3 skein version

I’m making this smaller version.

Photo by Anders RydellAsparagus shawl, 5 skein version

Doesn’t the larger version look cozy?

What you can’t really tell from the pictures is that this is a shaped shawl. It starts from the bottom like your average triangular shawl, but there is neck shaping with the two side continuing in a decreasing fashion.

I think this will make it very easy to wear since the shaping will help it stay put!

The motifs are meant to resemble Asparagus tips.

The name comes from the motif that runs up the sides and is meant to resemble asparagus tips.

Elsbeth says she designed the shawl when trying to add interest to a plain garter stitch shawl:

I discovered that the edging, my own invention, was both fun and satisfying to knit, and that’s really the essence of any craft, isn’t it—to arrive at an attractive and useable end result and at the same time get a lot of joy from the process itself.

In my opinion, she hit the nail on the head with this pattern. I can cruise along and just glance down for the motif.

I’m getting close to dividing for the two sides. I’m thinking I might have to knit them at the same time so when I’m finished I can start wearing my shawl right away!

The Garden Delight Collection

The Asparagus shawl is just one of 14 projects in this book. You can preview the rest of the book here. You can find the book on Ravelry here.

The theme of the book is “A collection of designs inspired by plant life and gardening, an activity that, just like knitting, gains pleasure from both the process and the end result.”

The first pattern designed for the book is Carota, which was inspired by purple carrots! I don’t think I’ve seen a purple carrot in person, but there is a picture of some in the book and the sweater design does indeed echo the vegetable.

Of course, if the purple and orange combination are a little too brave for you, Silky Wool is available in plenty of other colors for you to select a pleasing combination.

LinSilk

LinSilk is a new 50% Linen 30% Viscose 20% Silk blend with approximately 220 yards per 100g hank. The suggested gauge is 4.5 sts to 5 sts per inch. It is available in 12 colors.

Elsbeth says she quickly fell in love with the LinSilk samples when she was considering adding it to the Designer Choice line. She says it is great for garments in temperate zones and soft enough for garments for babies.

Add to the softness, sheen and a lovely drape the fact that is has an elasticity that makes it very agreeable to knit with, and you have the basic components behind my choice of this new favorite.

Photo by Anders RydellCalamint set, infant size

The Calamint pattern has a sweater, bonnet, and slipper set for babies ranging from 0 to 24 months old.

Photo by Anders RydellCalamint, child size

The sweater also has sizes for children 4 to 10 years old. That’s a lot of flexibility! If you have sisters who still think it’s fun to match you’ll be all set.

Photo By Anders RydellThat’s Elsebeth Lavold herself!

For the big girls, consider the Woodruff sweater.

I like the wide neckline and the pretty lace collar on this one. The all over “flower” stitch will make this an interesting knit. Basic crochet skills are needed to work the edging.

Photo by Anders RydellFava includes suggestions for adapting it for a woman.

There is one project for the man in your life in this collection. Fava (like the bean) is sized from S (43 1/4″ chest) to XL (50 3/4″ chest).

Ribbing combines with an interesting cable to create the texture on this attractive pullover. A modified drop shoulder reduces bulk under the arms.

If you don’t knit men sweaters, there are suggestions in the book for modifying the sleeves to fit a woman.

Hempathy

Hempathy is a popular 41% Cotton, 34% Hemp, 25% Modal blend with approximately 154 yards per 50g ball. There are six new colors this season.

Photo By Anders RydellPatch is sized from XS to XXL

Patch is a pretty T-Shirt style top knit using Hempathy. It is sized from XS (32 1/4″) to XXL (49 3/4″).

This top looks cool and breezy for when the summer weather arrives in earnest. For a daring look you can wear a contrasting color camisole underneath or be more subtle with a coordinating color. With 35 colors available, it should be easy to match your wardrobe.

Photo by Anders RydellAllium is knit using Hempathy

I’ve already added Allium to my Raverly queue. I like the combination of the lace at the shoulders and the peplum skirt.

This looks like a top that will be fun and challenging to knit as well as fun to wear. People will know you didn’t get this great top in a store!

Allium (which is the Latin name for Garlic) is sized from XS (28 1/4″) to L (34″) chest and is meant to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of negative ease.

These are just a few of the great patterns in The Garden Delight Collection. You can see the others here.

Hempathy in Magazines

Because I’m easily distracted, I thought I’d also point out that Hempathy recently appeared in two magazines!

Knitting Fever Yarnologue Blog - Spotlight: The Garden Delight CollectionNews, ideas, tips, patterns and more from the Knitting Fever Yarnologue BlogHello there!
My name is Ann and I’m very excited to be your guide to all the yummy yarns and gorgeous patterns Knitting Fever Inc. has to offer.
You might not be familiar with the Knitting Fever name, but I bet you already know and love some of the great yarns and designers they represent. KFI searches the world to bring the best yarns to American knitters and crocheters.
As for me, I’ve been crocheting since I was a child (my grandmother taught me) and knitting since 2001 (my mother-in-law taught me).
If you like Knitting Fever on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, then we’ve actually already met.
I’m planning to make this blog a fun place where you can get news and inspiration and we can share our mutual love of yarn. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what’s on your needles!

Have I told you about my Asparagus Shawl? I think I’ve only mentioned it in passing.

I started it in April and have found it to be good TV and travel knitting since it is mainly garter stitch.

The pattern is in the Elsebeth Lavold book “The Garden Delight Collection” and I’m using the Silky Wool yarn called for in the pattern.

http://knittingfever.comKnitting Feverfiberknittingyarnknitpattern

* Disclaimer: Yarn color swatches are rendered differently on different monitors. The best way to be sure you are finding the color desired is to visit your local yarn store.